I bet you’re thinking about naming the document “Resume”.  How do I know that?  Because nearly every resume document shares the same name.  Before we talk about what to name your document, let’s review what not to name it.

Here’s a sample of some actual resume document names.

• “Yes – this is the correction version” (I’m glad I didn’t receive the previous version of this resume.)
• “Advertising Resume” (I wonder if there is a PR Resume, Marketing Resume and Communication Resume, too.)
• “Resume1” (Is Resume1 better than if I received Resume3?)

So now that those options are out, what should you name the document?  How about starting with your name? If you have other attachments, such as your cover letter, writing samples and references, wouldn’t it be ideal if the recipient of these files could save, sort and review them using your first and last name along with any attachments included with the document?

Everyone says your resume is your first impression, but in this electronic age, the name of your document is actually the first impression for HR and talent acquisition departments.  And, if you’re selected to interview for a position, wouldn’t you rather have them call you by name instead of asking for “resume1”?

Stay tuned for more resume and interviewing tips from the TVG staff.  For information on our current job openings, email info@vandivergroup.com.

Extraversion (E) and Introversion (I)

In my previous post, I talked about how The Vandiver Group uses the MBTI^® tool in our training and group facilitation. Today I’ll discuss Extraversion and Introversion, and how these designations affect communication style preferences.

Extraversion and Introversion in MBTI^® refer to where people get their energy. Extraverts are generally energized by the outside world and often report that they love to communicate verbally and enjoy being surrounded by people and the social environment. Introverts are more energized by their own internal environment and ideas. They prefer to think things through on their own or through writing them down, so they can reflect before acting.

Practical Tips for Team Leaders: Give your team multiple avenues for communication with you. Introverts may prefer e-mail to face-to-face meetings.  Extraverts may prefer to bounce ideas off of coworkers to hash out their thoughts before a meeting. Also, don’t be surprised if an introvert doesn’t speak up much during a brainstorming session or group meeting. It doesn’t mean they aren’t engaged; it may mean they need some time to process the ideas discussed in the meeting. Allow extra time for discussion and questions during meetings for the extraverts, as they tend to appreciate working through their thoughts out loud.

Next week, I’ll talk about the differences between the Sensing and Intuition preferences.

Email tvg@vandivergroup.com if you’d like more information about the use of MBTI^® in helping teams function more effectively and efficiently.

In this time of frequent company mergers and acquisitions, colleagues and long-standing teams are continually being shuffled around. This is a common problem we hear from our clients: a team that used to function well together is now separated, and new people are thrown together and expected to become a cohesive unit. As you can imagine, many times this tactic fails. Conflicting personalities and different ways of problem-solving and decision-making can cause communication breakdowns and decreased productivity. So what can employers do to get their teams back on track?

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator^® (MBTI) is a helpful tool to learn about your own personality preferences and unique gifts, and then take that information and apply it to your interpersonal relationships. For those not familiar with MBTI, it’s a questionnaire based on Carl Jung’s theory of psychological types. The questions are displayed as dichotomous pairs of words or ideas. When your results are analyzed, you will have a four-letter psychological type preference to help you better understand how you prefer to relate to other people and the outside world, how you take in information, and how you make decisions. There are 16 possible psychological types. Every type has valuable assets to bring to a team environment. By learning about types and preferences with your coworkers and a certified MBTI practitioner, you’ll be armed with better insights on how to work together more effectively.

In a four-part blog series over the next several weeks, I’ll explore the MBTI tool and how teams can use it to improve communications. Next week, learn about Extraversion and Introversion preferences, and how they affect team communication.

To learn more about how TVG uses MBTI^®, or to schedule a working seminar with your team, call us at 314-991-4641.

Then there is the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, which by all accounts is a crisis on many levels. Many families lost loved ones and the environmental impact could well be worse than the Exxon Valdez oil spill decades ago. There is also the impact on businesses—such as the fishermen and shrimpers who depend on the Gulf for their livelihoods. It is a crisis; it just doesn’t seem like one for BP. At least that is the perception.

Click here to continue reading about BP’s handling of the recent oil spill in TVG’s recent Insight article.

1. Is BP doing the right thing? Check out our crisis team’s take on the Gulf oil spill in our most recent Insight publication.  What is your take on how BP has handled communications in the crisis?  Share your thoughts in the blog comment section.
2. Last Friday the St. Louis Business-Journal published a business guide to social media along with their normal weekly print edition.  Be sure to check out TVG’s ad on our social media program and software, Pulse.
3. I go through phases of social media and communication blogs I visit on a regular basis. Lately, I’ve been enjoying Jay Baer’s Convince & Convert.  A recent post highlights some great stats about Twitter.  If you aren’t on Twitter yet, these stats may convince and convert you into a believer.  (Sorry for the pun, I couldn’t resist).
4. You can probably find a new example everyday on how the Internet and social media have changed the way we consume news and communicate.  This week the flooding in Nashville is a shining example.  Hundreds of home videos and first hand accounts of the devastation have been filling the news and social media. Luckily these tools are also helping to drive support and fundraising for recovery efforts.
5. Lastly, happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there.  Need a last minute card for your mom?  Check out one of JibJab’s fun e-cards.

Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?  This week we have a last minute bonus item!  Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (one of my favorite movies of all time) is being played out on Twitter and Foursquare today. You can follow Ferris, his sister Jeanie, girlfriend Sloane and even Mr. Rooney!  Enjoy all.

In the latest edition of TVG Insight, we explore these roadblocks and how companies must diversify to catch the attention of the evolving consumer. With more sources than ever for news, entertainment and sports, not only has the playing field changed for consumers, but also for companies.

To learn more about TVG Insight, contact us at tvg@vandivergroup.com. Send comments to blog@vandivergroup.com.

In the March edition of TVG Insight we examine the latest data from Roper Reports and discuss what’s important to American consumers in 2007. The key issues are consistency, authenticity and honesty, and “a cause.”

Companies must find the right strategic mix in order to lure and keep valuable paying customers now and for the fiscal years to come.

Contact us at tvg@vandivergroup.com or send comments to blog@vandivergroup.com.